Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, 14 Days

The breathtaking landscape and overwhelming vista of the mountains of the Annapurna Sanctuary await you. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a moderate trek in western Nepal in the Annapurna region that takes you to the base camp of the south face of the mighty Annapurna massif. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek takes you through amazing settlements and lets you feel the warmth of the local people while witnessing the snowy peaks of the picturesque region. In the lap of the Himalayas, you will find yourself spell-bound with Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a two weeks short journey which starts from Pokhara, followed by Nayapul to Ghorepani. The trek will continue to reach Deurali and then to Machhapuchhre Base Camp to finally reach Annapurna Base Camp, which will later be followed by a trek to Dovan. The trek is more than just reaching the destination and gives you the best experience as a whole. The trek takes you through the forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and fir as you walk on carefully laid stone stairs. The trail reaches Gurung villages like Ghandruk where the hospitality among the locals will make you feel like home. Throughout the trek, you will find yourself in the lap of mother-nature. The snow-capped mountains and the orange sky during the sunset/rise will make you come back for more. After reaching the base of the amazing Annapurna, get ready to be astonished by the magnificent and massive Himalayas of Annapurna region.

Swiss Family Treks and Expedition organizes tours and treks all over the country and has been catering to people of all age groups. We take your concerns and preferences seriously hence our team of experts is working continuously to give you the best facilities. Also, in the company of our experienced and knowledgeable guides, you can create memories without any obstructions or troubles.

Highlights of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek:

Exploring the Kathmandu city and its heritage sites,

Panoramic and closed views of Annapurna massif, explore lake city of Pokhara,

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Itinerary
Day 1:- Arrival in Kathmandu
A warm greeting to you! Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representative will pick you up and drop you at the hotel. Free feel to explore the nearby markets in Thamel. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2:- Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley
Today, our local guide will drive you to prominent religious places of Kathmandu. You will visit the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, and the Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, all of which are listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu are not included in the package, but our guide will recommend you the best places in the city. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3:- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820m, drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedunga 1540m (3/4 hours).
Early morning, fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara with a scenic view of the mountains. Upon arrival in Pokhara, drive to Naya Pul which takes about 1 hour by private vehicle and we begin our trek from Nayapul to Tikhedunga via Birethanti which takes about 3 hours through the forests with small waterfalls on the way. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 4:- Trek from Tikhedunga to Ghorepani 2750m (5/6 hours).
The trail leads us to Ulleri, after 2 hours of steep climbing. We continue on the uphill track slowly until we reach Banthanti, from where we can see a decent view of Machhapuchhre (6993m), Hiunchuli (6443m), and Annapurna South (7219m). After lunch, our trail goes slowly uphill until reaching the Gurung village of Ghorepani, which takes about 2 hours to reach. Stunning view of the mountains can be seen from our lodge. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 5:- Hike to Poon Hill and trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani 2590m (5/6 hours).
Early in the morning, we hike up to Poon Hill through the rhododendron forest for an astonishing view of the sunrise over the mountains like the Annapurna massif, the Dhaulagiri range, Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (7061m), and Machhapuchhre (6993m) among others. Then, we descend down to Ghorepani and continue on an uphill trail to Deurali Pass (3090m). We walk through the deep forest until reaching Banthanti. After lunch, we walk for about an hour to reach Tadapani village which is bound by gorgeous forests. We will have a magnificent view of mountains from Tadapani. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 6:- Trek from Tadapani to Sinuwa 2340m (5-6 hours).
We climb down through the rhododendron forest until Chuile and then ascend on many stone staircases until reaching and crossing Kimrong Khola through a suspension bridge. The trail moves gently up and down until reaching Chhomrong. After lunch, we will move downhill on a stone staircase and cross Chomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, and then climb out of the side valley through the forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. We ascend alongside Modi Khola to arrive in Sinuwa. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 7:- Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali 3230m (5-6 hours).
We ascend through the forest of rhododendron, decorated with orchids and ferns, on a stone-paved trail. We then go downhill on a steep and slippery stone stairway into the deep bamboo and rhododendron forest until reaching Bamboo village. Then, our trail leads us to cross tributary rivers on narrow bridges, and crossing several waterfalls we reach Dovan. We ascend on a stony trail through the forest, then up a steep gorge to Hinku Cave. We walk through large rocks surrounding Hinku Cave to arrive in Deurali. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 8:- Trek from Deurali to ABC 4130m (4-5 hours).
The trail goes to the east side of the gorge to escape a hazardous avalanche area as we ascend through the rare mix of bamboo and birch. We continue to move uphill, pass a moraine, and go downhill to a stream. Then, short ascends lead us to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m). We keep ascending uphill on the moraines of South Annapurna Glacier until we reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). There is a marvelous view of the south face of Annapurna rising above the sanctuary to the northwest. After lunch, we will move towards a player-flag wrapped viewpoint to enjoy the breath-taking view of the mountains of Annapurna region along with the surrounding glacier. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 9:- Trek from ABC to Dovan 2505m (5-6 hours).
Early in the morning, wake up for an unobstructed sunrise view over the mountains. We will witness a mesmerizing view of the sun rays touching the mountains that have filled up our skyline. We then retrace our trail as we trek down on the moraines towards MBC. Retracing our trail to Deurali and then trekking through the rhododendron and oak forest, we arrive in Dovan. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 10:- Trek from Dovan to Chhomrong 2170m (5-6 hours).
We move along the rhododendron and bamboo forest until reaching Bamboo. Then, we ascend on the rocky trail through the bamboo and rhododendron forest until reaching Sinuwa. After lunch, we walk on the rocky trail till we cross the bridge over Chhomrong Khola. Then, we move up on a stone staircase until we arrive in Chhomrong. We get to relish remarkable views of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m) from our lodge in Chomrong. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 11:- Trek from Chomrong to Ghandruk Village 1940m (5 hours).
Our trail goes downhill and gently up to Kimrong village. Then, we walk through the rhododendron and oak forests until reaching Komrong Danda. After lunch, we go downhill towards the largest Gurung settlement of Ghandruk village, which is also known as Konda village in their local language. There is a very fascinating traditional Gurung Museum and recently made Buddhist Monastery in the middle of the village. Stunning view of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m) can be seen from Ghandruk. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 12:- Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul 1070m/4hrs and drive to Pokhara,
Walk down on the stone staircase for a while, with a view of Landruk village. After 2 hours of downhill walk from Ghandruk village, we arrive in Syaulibazar. Then, we walk a long, uneven trail along the Modi Khola to reach Birethanti. We cross a river over an iron bridge and continue on a 30 minutes long walk to Nayapul where our vehicle will be waiting. Then, we drive back to Pokhara by private vehicle. Overnight at 3-star hotel.

Day 13:- Morning Hike to World Peace Stupa and afternoon fly back to Kathmandu,
Early morning, we drive to World Peace Stupa by private vehicle. We can see the 360-degree view of the Himalayan ranges from Manaslu to Dhaulagiri range including Machhapuchhre and Annapurna massif as well as picturesque Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake. Then, we walk down to Phewa Lake through the jungle and take a boat to cross Phewa Lake, passing Temple Barahi which is located in the middle of the Lake. In the afternoon, we fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Your trek comes to the end after breakfast in hotel. Our representatives will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport to fly back home.

Customize your Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Let me start by mentioning an observation in a blog post by a young German couple we more or less trekked with, because they stayed at the same villages we did. They wrote that they didn't see the need for a guide on the trek to the ABC. I thought about how much they probably missed out on, compared to what Madan added to our experience.
One of the personal benefits for me in travel is seeing how other people's lives differ from mine. So, in addition to what I observed along the way, I had lots of questions for Madan about how the Nepali people subsisted in the often-narrow canyons and steep hillsides that surrounded us. He greatly enriched our experience with his familiarity of the country, the customs, the people and their subsistence agriculture, and the trail, itself. For example, starting out each day he gave us a summary of how many ups and downs we would have, with his hand motions. We had many questions for him and he always answered them with information that helped me understand the lives and history of people who live along the ABC trek.
Some examples: he explained that the dogs in the mountains at least have something to earn their meager keep (unlike the dogs in Kathmandu): they help keep the monkeys out of the rice fields during harvest time. Although he said a ratio of five monkeys to one dog will keep the dogs away. He explained how the monkeys strip the kernels from the plant, and spit out the husks or shells. He pointed out what plants or grains the villagers were drying in the sun. He noted the landslides/mudslides that have occurred along the steep canyon walls because of heavier-than-normal rains in recent years. He introduced us to rakshi, which the drinkers among us found rather enjoyable. So much so, in fact, that Madan led me into a tiny still, with the permission of the women cooking outside, of course.
In addition to the trek itself, and the scenery, some of my strongest impressions are of the porters. How these people make this ascent sometimes carrying almost half their body weight -- I might be thinking of the men in flaps making the ascent with provisions for the Tea Houses -- but Anik and Tika also did amazing work. As you know, Anik is a very charming, intelligent young man with ambition to do more in his life. We would like to help him do that, which I believe Ted and Jan talked to you about.
Finally, there was Dipak and our chauffeur, whose name I can't quite spell. Dipak was the equivalent of Madan in Kathmandu, answering all our questions and sharing his insights about Hindu and Buddhist traditions and beliefs and taking us to areas and merchants that casual visitors would never find.
I am very impressed by Swiss Family Treks. Your services along the ABC trek and in Kathmandu freed us from concern about logistics, whereabouts and whether we would see the places and sights that would be of most interest to us.
As someone who has hired and managed many co-workers over the years, I must say your team in Nepal speaks very well of your business.
I will send photos and, no doubt, our group will send more.
Jerry Mahoney
Gabrielle Mathieu
Ted Moorman
Jan Moorman
From USA

Grades Explanation

Grade (Easy)

Easy trekking by Himalayan standards is generally up to 2000m. There are plenty of ups and downs on well-maintained trails. This type of trip is best suited for those who lead a reasonably active life. The trek takes about 3 to 7 days, walking about 4 to 5 hours a day.

Grade (Moderate )

This involves longer treks (five to ten days) on maintained trails. This type of trek includes day excursions to higher elevations, for which it's advisable to have some previous hill- walking experience. On these treks, we generally achieve an altitude between 900m to 3000m.

Grade (Moderate to strenuous)

A reasonably demanding trek at an altitude up to 4000m with side trips to higher elevations. The trails are sometimes uncharted and away from inhabited areas.

Grade (Strenuous )

These treks must be fully supported. We climb to altitudes between 3500 and 5000m. & there are overnight stays at altitudes above 4000m. For this trek, trekkers should be fit & enthusiastic hill walkers prepared to tackle difficult terrain in remote areas.

Grade (Very Strenuous)

This trek is best described as Alpine, and suitable is suitable for those in excellent health, capable of carrying a backpack, when required. The trek covers very remote areas, traveling over snow-covered passes at an altitudes of up to 6500m. You will need to axes and crampons. No strenuous trek should be undertaken without medical clearance.